Complementary health insurance, an essential choice for seniors.
According to a report by the Department of Health, health expenditure is multiplied by eleven between the ages of 6 and 85.
For people over 85, care not reimbursed by social security is on average 1,000 euros per year, almost three times more than for 36-40 year olds.
The “outstanding charge” even exceeds 3700 euros for 1% of elderly patients.
What are the benefits of senior health insurance?
The 100% health device
Decline in visual acuity, loss of hearing, threatened oral health, so many health problems that increase with age.
Since January 2021, anyone who has complementary health insurance can be reimbursed 100% for costs associated with:
- hearing aids,
- eyeglasses
- dental prosthesis.
Concretely, all French people with responsible complementary health insurance no longer have to pay any costs if they choose the care from the 100% health offer.
They can nevertheless choose offers other than the 100% health offer. Which is often the case for seniors. In this case, it is a question of choosing the right complementary health insurance.
Hospitalization: a specific need of seniors
People over 75 represent 63% of hospitalized patients. In the event of hospitalization in an approved establishment, Social Security covers 80% of the costs.
However, the hospital package remains the responsibility of the patient. That is, €20 per day in a hospital or clinic, and €15 per day in the psychiatric department of a health establishment.
Exceeding fees as well as comfort costs, for example a single room, are also the responsibility of the patient. In this case, it can be very useful to take out a complementary health contract.
Home assistance services
In the event of serious illness or temporary immobilization, mutual insurance companies offer several solutions for home care: household help, grocery delivery, meal delivery.
Mutual or health insurance, what is the best complementary health insurance for seniors?
There are various private organizations that can cover your health expenses:
- the “mutuelle” is a non-profit partnership and its board of directors is made up of member representatives. There is no age, resource or health requirement to join.
- Health insurance is governed by the insurance code, has a profit-making purpose and its profits are returned to shareholders. Some insurance companies may ask you to complete a health questionnaire to assess the risks.
Whether you choose mutual insurance or health insurance, you have the possibility of acting on your contract. Enjoy!
Tips for choosing:
- Adapt the guarantees to your state of health and your income. Depending on your needs, choose the most relevant options.
- Check that contracts are clear and legible. The law requires the insured to be provided with a table in euros of 26 concrete examples of care specifying reimbursement by Social Security and the remainder payable after reimbursement by complementary health insurance.
- Check that you can be reimbursed in the event of consultation with a non-contracted doctor.
Senior health mutual: what cost and how to subscribe to a cheap complementary health insurance?
It takes between 500 euros per year for a low repayment base.
The estimated cost for maximum health coverage is 2,000 euros per year.
On average, count around 1,400 euros for proper coverage of your health costs.
Optimize the costs of your senior health mutual.
* By paying a little more, but better.
Depending on your profile and your needs, the costs can vary from simple to double. Be aware that it is sometimes wise to pay a little more for more extensive coverage of your health costs.
The key is to clearly identify your needs at the time of signing the contract and to examine all possible options to optimize costs.
* If you opt for the 100% health offer.
For example, if you need hearing aids, you can benefit from 100% health offers and thus lower the audio equipment guarantee of your mutual insurance company.
* If you choose only the complementary hospitalization.
You can also opt for a supplementary formula reduced to hospitalization cover only. This choice can be very economical if you do not have other major health expenses.
Easily cancel your old health insurance
At the time of retirement, most employees keep the Employer mutual insurance. This is not always a relevant choice, because guarantees such as maternity or orthodontics are no longer necessary.
From the age of 60, other options sometimes become essential, such as hearing aids or complementary care: occupational therapist, spa treatment, etc. It may be wise to change mutual insurance or at least modify your guarantee options.
If your contract is over a year old, you can easily terminate it.
Since January 1, 2022, you can terminate your contract at any time, without charge or justification. Simply send your request by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt to your insurer.
What are the best senior health mutuals?
* Mutual insurance comparators
There are many comparators of senior mutuals on the Internet. Some may be produced by the insurers themselves. They have the advantage, however, of saving you a long and tedious search.
* How it works ?
All you have to do is fill in your personal information and the comparison site sends your requests to a set of service providers. In return, you will receive quotes from various supplementary health insurance with the main offers: reimbursement rates, deductibles, waiting periods, contributions, etc.
* What other options to properly compare senior health mutuals?
You can also turn to independent comparators such as: UFC-Que Choisir?https://www.quechoisir.org/comparateur-mutuelle-n21207/
You can also opt for an insurance broker to ensure you meet your needs as closely as possible.
It may cost you a few deniers, but you will have an objective vision adapted to your profile. Enough to make the right choice and ultimately save on your complementary health contract.
